A recent study revealed that U.S. drivers are not that interested in self-driving cars, yet. Researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle of the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute conducted a survey among drivers to determine their preferences about riding in self-driving vehicles. The survey received 505 responses.

Respondents want to be able to manually control self-driving vehicles when desired.

How many accidents have self-driving cars been in?
In a similar study done by the same researchers, it was concluded that the expectation for zero accidents with self-driving vehicles is not realistic. However, during test runs, self-driving vehicles have been in 12 minor accidents, none of which were the self-driving car’s fault. That’s over a six year period, since 2009, with more than 1.8 million miles of autonomous and manual driving combined. That being said, some people believe that when conventional and self-driving vehicles share the road, safety might worsen, at least for the conventional vehicles. This is because human error still exists in conventional cars.

One of Google’s self-driving car accidents
In July 2015, a crash involving one of Google’s self-driving cars injured three employees. The accident happened when a high-tech, camera-equipped Lexus was hit while at an intersection in Mountain View, California. The light at the intersection turned green, but if the self-driving car went, it’d be blocking the intersection. Therefore, it didn’t go. The car behind it, however, only saw the green light and rear ended the self-driving car. The Google employees were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for minor whiplash while the driver of the other car complained of neck and back pain.

Why is Google creating self-driving cars?
Since 2009, Google has been working on fully self-driving technology where the self-driving vehicle performs all the work of driving, without any human intervention. The company believes that the full potential of this technology will only be met when a vehicle can drive itself from one place to another. They want it to be as easy as pushing a button and not only benefit current drivers, but also those who are unable to drive at all.

As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I’m all for technology that will improve road safety and driver convenience. Two years ago, I hoped this self-driving car trend would serve its purpose of reducing fatalities and increase mobility for people with disabilities. However, up until now, I am not sure about completely embracing autonomous driving. For the meantime, let’s remain focused on the road as we drive and continue practicing safe driving habits.

Michael A. Schafer and The Schafer Law Office represents clients and accident victims throughout Kentucky including Louisville, Lexington, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Carrolton, Bardstown, Munfordville, New Castle, Richmond, Bowling Green, St. Matthews, Prospect, Shively, Fairdale, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Valley Station and Pleasure Ridge Park. Cases are also handled in Jefferson County, Bullitt County, Oldham County, Shelby County, Hardin County, Spencer County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Carrol County, Henry County, Madison County, Nelson County, Anderson County, Trimble County, Larue County, Hart County and Meade County, Kentucky.